Edo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, has challenged political parties to provide evidence of his incompetence ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
Onuoha, a cousin to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, assured that his familial ties won’t compromise his ability to conduct a free and fair election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Onuoha emphasized, “It is a fact that I am a cousin to the minister… What we should be talking about at this time is the capacity to conduct the election.”
He highlighted his background as an Associate Professor of Law and his experience as an electoral commissioner in Rivers State, where he received no complaints.
Edo PDP chairman Tony Aziegbemi had requested Onuoha’s redeployment due to his ties with Wike, expressing concerns about potential favoritism.
However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary Rotimi Oyekanmi maintained that the commission wouldn’t redeploy Onuoha, urging the PDP to focus on the election process.
Onuoha reiterated, “The mere fact that I am a cousin to Wike does not preclude me from being appointed. Am I not a Nigerian? Nigerians should have gone beyond this level.”
This statement aimed to address worries about Wike’s influence, given his history of conduct during elections in Rivers State. Onuoha’s assurance of impartiality comes amid heightened scrutiny of his role in ensuring a credible election.
As the governorship election approaches, Onuoha’s competence and independence remain under the spotlight.
